What Science Says About Air Purifier and UV Light as Protection Against Coronavirus

Your home probably has a sanitation station by now. You've set up a table or a trolley near the entrance, and it carries EPA-registered disinfectant, 70% isopropyl alcohol, wipes, and waste bin to properly dispose of used face masks and gloves, to name a few.

Still, you are left feeling you need to do more, especially when the coronavirus doesn't seem to be going away. Then with news of COVID-19 possibly being airborne, you are now wondering how is the air we breathe inside our homes.

At the moment, an appliance and technology are getting have been getting  buzz when it comes to protection from airborne viruses.

Back in January 2020,  the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology advised families to use air purifiers when ashfall from the Taal Volcano reached Metro Manila. Air purifiers remove pollutants from indoor air. After drawing in dirty air and filtering it, it then blows out fresh, healthy, and clean air back into the room.

Now can an air purifier offer protection from COVID-19 with the possibility that it could be airborne?

While scientists are saying the coronavirus can be transmitted through the air, it is unclear whether air purifiers can fully protect you from the airborne virus. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says air purifiers "can help reduce airborne contaminants including viruses in a home or confined space when used properly.

"However, by itself, a portable air cleaner is not enough to protect people from COVID-19."

An air purifier, however, may still be a worthy investment since it can reduce allergens and capture particles that carry viruses and bacteria that cause cough and colds.

Dyson Pure Cool Me Personal Purifier

Php23,499.75

This desk fan projects cooling filtered air to improve air quality. 

IMAGE Courtesy of SM Home

A new Pinay mom will quickly become familiar with the technology of ultraviolet (UV) light. It has become the go-to sterilizer when it comes to baby accessories including feeding bottles and toys. The fact that it is less work compared to steam sterilizers has made it very popular.

According to The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, UVC, a type of UV light, has been shown to destroy coronaviruses including MERS. So it could probably be an effective disinfectant on the novel coronavirus.

Landlite UV-C Portable Sterilizer Lamp

Php3,799.75

This UVC light lamp claims it can kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. 

IMAGE Courtesy of SM Home

But this tech comes with a warning. Exposure to UVC light is dangerous to people. Use UVC only on objects or surfaces because it damages human skin and the eyes.

A UV light device may be worth getting as long as you handle it with extreme care. Obviously, you can never use it on your body. And just know that the safety and effectiveness of these products against COVID-19 are still up in the air.

If you do purchase one of the above, let us also still stick to social distancing, wearing face masks, and handwashing.

Infiniti Touchless Foaming Soap Dispenser

Phphp1,499.75

We'd go for those contactless soap dispensers to lessen the risk of cross-contamination.

IMAGE Courtesy of SM Home

All products mentioned here are available at smhome.com.ph. Shoppers can now place their orders online through the SM Store’s Call to Deliver and ShopSM app.

This story originally appeared on Smartparenting.com.ph.

* Minor edits have been made by the Realliving.com.ph editors.